By Blessing Fali
A fresh political battle has emerged in Imo State between Governor Hope Uzodimma and former Governor Rochas Okorocha over the All Progressives Congress, APC, senatorial ticket for Imo West ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The dispute has taken a legal dimension after Okorocha approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to recognise Uzodimma as the APC candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election.
Okorocha is asking the court to declare him the rightful APC candidate, arguing that he won the party primary conducted in May. He is also challenging the eligibility of Uzodimma to contest the senatorial election while still serving as governor of Imo State.
The former governor is relying on Section 183 of the 1999 Constitution, which places restrictions on the activities of a sitting governor while in office. His legal challenge has therefore raised questions about whether Uzodimma can contest for a Senate seat before the expiration of his tenure as governor.
Uzodimma was declared the winner of the APC primary for Imo West, with the party and INEC recognising him as the candidate for the 2027 election. Okorocha, however, has rejected the outcome and is seeking judicial intervention.
The development has renewed political tension within the APC in Imo State, particularly in the Orlu political zone, where both politicians have strong political influence.
The outcome of the court case could determine who eventually represents the APC in the Imo West senatorial race and may also provide an important interpretation of the constitutional provisions surrounding sitting governors seeking other elective offices before the end of their tenure.
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